Ethiopians sweep Baltics' biggest marathon

TARTU - Runners from Ethiopia have won both the men's and women's events in the largest running marathon in the Baltic States, held in Tartu over the weekend.

According to the preliminary information provided by the Tartu Maraton organizers, 6123 people took part of its events. A total of 3350 finished on 23 and 10 km main distances and 2503 kids participated in children events.

“Even though Tartu Jooksumaraton is one of the smallest events in the calendar of Club Tartu Maraton it has reached remarkable numbers,” said Tartu Maraton Chairman of the Board Indrek Kelk.

The winner was Raji Assefa Worku from Ethiopia with 1:11:38 which marks also the new track record. Second place belonged to Abera Chane Lema with 1:12:01 and third to the best Estonian runner Keio Kits with 1:16:34.

The best among women was Etaferu Wodaj Temesgen with 1:26:57 also from Ethiopia. She was followed by Annika Rihma and Liina Luik from Estonia.

Tartu Jooksumaraton was organised in 1983 for the first time and by now it has grown to the biggest cross-country running marathon in Baltic States.